Rumors that Trader Joe’s, a privately held chain of specialty grocery stores based in Monrovia, Calif., has selected West Des Moines for its next location appear for the moment to be just that, rumors.

However, the chain has inquired with the city about the process of obtaining a liquor license, said Clyde Evans, director of the West Des Moines Community and Economic Development Department.

Evans said his department had not been contacted directly by Trader Joe’s, but said he had heard some of the same rumors about the store’s interest in West Des Moines.

“I think they are looking in the area, but I don’t know if they have landed on any particular site yet or not,” he said.

Trader Joe’s did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.

Christopher Shires, development coordinator with the city of West Des Moines, said his department had not received any type of site plan application and that the building inspection department had not received any tenant remodel permits.

Trader Joe’s recently announced it will open a 13,000-square-foot store sometime this year in Omaha. It would be the first Trader Joe’s in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas or the Dakotas.